Reconfigurable satellite access points  and satellite access sites

ABSTRACT

A reconfigurable satellite access point including a transport-mounting structure and at least one antenna integrated with the transport-mounting structure, the transport-mounting structure allowing the satellite access point to be easily reconfigured between a shipping configuration and an deployed configuration, the satellite access point in the shipping configuration having a form factor of a shipping container which allows the satellite access point to be shipped to a remote satellite access site on earth and the satellite access point in the deployed configuration revealing the at least one antenna to the sky at the satellite access site. Further, a method for constructing and rapidly deploying a satellite access site, the method including integrating at least one antenna with a transport-mounting structure to create a satellite access point, configuring the satellite access point into a shipping configuration wherein the satellite access point has a form factor of a shipping container, shipping the satellite access point to a desired location on earth for the satellite access site, and reconfiguring the satellite access point into an deployed configuration at the satellite access site to reveal the at least one antenna to the sky.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to non-geostationary satellitecommunications systems. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to reconfigurable satellite access points (antenna systems) thatcan be rapidly deployed, and satellite access sites or antenna farmsconstructed from such satellite access points and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Satellite communications systems for bringing low-cost broadbandInternet service to any location on the earth are currently beingdeveloped. FIG. 1 illustrates such a satellite communications system 10.As illustrated, the system 10 includes one or more satellite accesssites (SAS) 12, also referred to as antenna farms. Each of the SASs 12comprises individual satellite access points (SAPs) 14, also known asground gateway antennas. The SASs 12, in some systems, may each includebetween four (4) and twenty (20) SAPs 14. Further, some of thesesystems, may comprise up to fifty (50) SASs 12 around the world.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the SAPs 14 of the SASs 12 may beconnected to the Internet or other network and link the Internet orother network to a fleet of non-geostationary satellites 16, which inturn link to inexpensive user terminals 18 positioned on the earth. Theuser terminals 18 deliver Internet connectivity to user computers, suchas laptops, and user cell phones and the like, in residences andbusinesses.

The SAPs 14 of the SAS 12 comprise relatively large tracking antennaassemblies. Therefore, a civil works project is currently required toconstruct an SAS 12.

Accordingly, an SAP is needed, which can be made and assembled at amanufacturing or like facility, and easily and quickly configured forshipping to a desired ground site and easily and quickly reconfiguredfor deployment at the ground site to rapidly construct a SAS.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a reconfigurable satellite access point comprising,in various embodiments, a transport-mounting structure, and at least oneantenna integrated with the transport-mounting structure, wherein thetransport-mounting structure allows the satellite access point to beeasily reconfigured between a shipping configuration and an deployedconfiguration, the satellite access point in the shipping configurationhaving a form factor of a shipping container which allows the satelliteaccess point to be shipped to a remote satellite access site on earthand the satellite access point in the deployed configuration revealingthe at least one antenna to the sky at the satellite access site.

Further disclosed herein is a method for constructing a satellite accesssite, the method comprising in various embodiment, integrating at leastone antenna with a transport-mounting structure to create a satelliteaccess point, configuring the satellite access point into a shippingconfiguration wherein the satellite access point has a form factor of ashipping container, shipping the satellite access point to a desiredlocation on earth for the satellite access site, and reconfiguring thesatellite access point into an deployed configuration at the site toreveal the at least one antenna to the sky.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a prior artsatellite communications system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a reconfigurablesatellite access point (SAP) according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the shippable SAP of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the SAP shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in afolded state or assembled into a shipping configuration for shipping.

FIGS. 3B-3E are perspective views of the SAP shown in FIG. 3A, as it isreconfigured by collapsing it down into a deployed configuration duringdeployment of the SAP at a SAS.

FIGS. 4A-4E are perspective views of another embodiment of the SAPcomprising two SAP sub-units where FIGS. 4A-4C depict the assembling ofthe SAP sub-units to one another and where FIGS. 4D-4E depict the SAPsub-units being optionally separated from one another and collapsed downinto the deployed configuration during deployment of the SAP at a SAS.

FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the SAP.

FIGS. 6-9 are block diagrams of various embodiments of a SAS.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for constructing andrapidly deploying an SAS according an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a reconfigurable SAP 20 that can be shippedto an SAS and rapidly deployed thereat, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The SAP 20 comprises one or more antennas 22integrated with a transport-mounting structure 40. When configured in ashipping configuration, the SAP 20 can have a form factor of a shippingcontainer, such as an ISO-standard intermodal shipping container, whichallows the SAP 20 to be shipped without further preparation to an SAS.Once at the SAS, the SAP 20 can be easily and quickly reconfigured bycollapsing the SAP 20 down into a deployed configuration to deploy theSAP 20 at the SAS.

The antenna 22 of the SAP 20 can comprise a parabolic dish antenna 24.In other embodiments, the antenna 22 can comprise a phased array antennaor a horn antenna. In still other embodiments, the antenna assembliescan have antenna designs (e.g. parabolic, phased array, horn) that varyfrom one or more of the antenna assemblies to another, if desired. Insome embodiments, a radome 28 (illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B) may beprovided to cover the antenna 22. The radome 28 in such embodimentsoperates as a protective shell for the antenna 22.

In some embodiments, the transport-mounting structure 40 can include arigid receptacle sub-structure 41 and a pedestal sub-structure 26. Thereceptacle sub-structure 41 is specifically designed, in terms of shape,size, weight, and strength (wall thickness, ribbing, etc.), for theparticular antenna 22 selected for use in the SAP 20, and in someembodiments, the particular antenna electronics, which will beintegrated therewith. The pedestal sub-structure 26 connects the antenna22 with the receptacle sub-structure 41 and can be adapted tomechanically move the antenna 22 relative to the receptaclesub-structure 41. More specifically, the pedestal sub-structure 26 maycomprise one or more motors (not shown) that mechanically move theantenna 22 relative to the receptacle sub-structure 41. In someembodiments, the pedestal sub-structure 26 may have a first motor, whichtilts the antenna relative to the receptacle sub-structure 26 and asecond motor that spins or rotates the antenna relative to thereceptacle sub-structure 41.

In some embodiments, antenna electronics (not shown) may be integratedwith the transport-mounting structure 40. The antenna electronics cancomprise a motor controller, RF equipment for transmitting and receivingdata, and a modem for allowing the SAP 20 to communicate with a centralcontroller of an associated SAS and to receive power from a powerconverter system of the associated SAS.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the receptacle sub-structure 41 of thetransport-mounting structure 40, in one embodiment, may comprise a base42, opposing top wall sections 44, opposing side walls 46, and opposingend walls 48. The base 42 may be unitary with or integrally connected tothe pedestal sub-structure 26. To allow the SAP 20 to be reconfigurablebetween the shipping and deployed configurations, the top wall sections44 can be pivotally and/or removably attached to a corresponding one ofthe side walls 46 (and/or end walls 48 in other embodiments), and theside walls 46 and the end walls 48 can be pivotally and/or removablyattached to the base 42. The receptacle sub-structure 41 can be madefrom a hard protective material and/or combination of materials.

In some embodiments, the SAP 20 can be placed in the shippingconfiguration by pivotally moving the receptacle sub-structure side andend walls 46, 48 up relative to the base 42 into the form of an openshipping container (e.g., an ISO-standard intermodal shippingcontainer), and pivotally moving the top wall sections 44 relative tothe side and end walls 46, 48 to close the receptacle sub-structure 41,so that the SAP 20 can be shipped to a desired SAS without furtherpreparation. Once at the SAS, the SAP 20 can be collapsed down into thedeployed configuration by pivotally moving the top wall sections 44relative to the side and end walls 46, 48, and pivotally moving the sideand end walls 46, 48 relative to the base 42, to open and collapse thereceptacle sub-structure 41 of the SAP 20 down onto the ground touncover the antenna 22 to allow for power and network connection of theSAP 20. In other embodiments, the SAP 20 can be placed in the shippingconfiguration by attaching the receptacle sub-structure walls 46, 48 tothe base 42 so that it takes the form of an open shipping container, andattaching the top wall sections 44 to the side and end walls 46, 48 toclose the receptacle sub-structure 41, so that the SAP 20 can be shippedto a desired SAS without further preparation. Once at the SAS, the SAP20 can be collapsed down into the deployed configuration by detachingthe top wall sections 44 from the side and end walls 46, 48, anddetaching the walls 46, 48 from the base 42 to uncover the antenna 22and allow for power and network connections of the SAP 20. In stillother embodiments, the SAP 20 can be placed in the shippingconfiguration by attaching and/or pivotally moving the side and endwalls 46, 48 up relative to the base 42 into the form of an openshipping container, and attaching and/or pivotally moving the top wallsections 44 relative to the side and end walls 46, 48 to close thereceptacle sub-structure 41, so that the SAP 20 can be shipped to adesired SAS without further preparation. Once at the SAS, the SAP 20 canbe collapsed down into the deployed configuration by detaching and/orpivotally moving the top wall sections 44 relative to or from the sideand end walls 46, 48, and detaching and/or pivotally moving the side andend walls 46, 48 relative to or from the base 42, to uncover the antenna22 and allow for power and network connection of the SAP 20.

Connectors (not shown) can be provided for pivotally and/or removablyattaching each top wall section 44 to a corresponding one of the sidewalls 46 and pivotally and/or removably attaching the side walls 46 andthe end walls 48 to the base 42. In some embodiments, the connectors cancomprise a hinge arrangement, fastener (e.g., quick-connect fastener),or other arrangement. The hinge arrangements may comprise, withoutlimitation, living hinges, barrel hinges, piano hinges, combinationsthereof or any other suitable arrangement that allows the top, side andend walls 44, 46, 48 to be pivotally and/or removably attached to oneanother to allow reconfiguration of the SAP receptacle sub-structure 41between the shipping and deployed configurations, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3E.

Removable pins (not shown) or other means can be used to lock the sideand end walls 46, 48 of the SAP receptacle sub-structure 41 in avertical or upright position (open shipping configuration) and to lockthe top wall section 44 in a horizontal or closed position (closedshipping configuration) so that the SAP 20 can be shipped. The removablepins or other means allow the walls 44, 46 48 to be unlocked and loweredwithout special tools when the SAP 20 is collapsed down into thedeployed configuration. Slow release lines 50, struts, ballast arms,and/or other means can be provided for allowing the side and end walls46, 48 to pivot down onto the ground in a controlled and/or automaticmanner to rapidly collapse the SAP 20 down into the deployedconfiguration, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3E.

Once in the deployed configuration, one or more of the top wall sections44, side walls 46 and end walls 48 can be can be locked into positionusing stakes 52 and/or other suitable fasteners that extend throughholes (not visible) provided through the walls 44, 46, 48 of thereceptacle sub-structure 41, as illustrated in FIG. 3E. In otherembodiments, the top wall sections 44, side walls 46 and end walls 48can be adapted to automatically lock when pivoted down to the ground.For example, in some embodiments, the hinge arrangements may be adaptedto automatically lock when the walls 44, 46, 48 reach the pivoted downposition (in the deployed configuration), thereby retaining the walls44, 46, 48 in the pivoted down position. In other embodiments, the slowrelease lines 50, struts, and/or ballast arms can be adapted toautomatically lock when the walls 44, 46, 48 reach the pivoted downposition, thereby retaining the walls 44, 46, 48 in the pivoted downposition. In other embodiments, the stakes, bolts, or other manuallocking means can be used in conjunction with the automatic lockingmeans, if required or desired.

After placing the SAP 20 in the deployed configuration, only power anddata cable connections are needed to complete the deployment.

In some embodiments, the SAP 20 can be provided with solar panels whichare attached to the interior surfaces of the top wall sections 44, theside wall, and/or end walls 48 of the receptacle sub-structure 41. Thesolar panels can be adapted and configured to automatically begincharging and powering the SAP 20 when the SAP is collapsed down into thedeployed configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments comprising smallerantennas 22 or large antennas that can be shipped in smaller sections,the SAP 200 may comprise multiple SAP sub-units 20 ₁ and 20 ₂mechanically connected into a single unit. In such embodiments, each SAPsub-unit 20 ₁, 20 ₂ includes integrated transport-mounting structures 40₁, 40 ₂ and antennas or antenna sections 22 ₁, 22 ₂. The SAP sub-units20 ₁, 20 ₂ can be mechanically connected to one another as illustratedin FIG. 4B, using bolts or some other fastener arrangement, to form asingle shippable and rapidly deployable SAP 200 that has the form factorof a shipping container such as an ISO-standard container. For example,in one embodiment, each antenna 22 ₁ 22 ₂ may comprise, for example, a1.9 meter diameter parabolic dish antenna and the optional radome. Suchdimensioned antennas 22 ₁, 22 ₂ can be integrated with appropriatelyconfigured transport-mounting structures 40 ₁, 40 ₂ each having a formfactor of a 20 foot long container, which when mechanically connectedtogether form a 40 foot long SAP 200, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, whichcan be shipped to the site of the SAS.

Upon reaching the SAS site, the SAP 200 can be rapidly deployed bycollapsing the SAP 200 down into the deployed configuration, asdescribed earlier.

Providing two antennas 22 ₁ and 22 ₂ at opposite ends of the 40 footlong SAP 200 may have a separation distance that is sufficient. Morespecifically, the separation distance between the antennas 22 ₁, 22 ₂should be sufficient to prevent the antennas 22 ₁, 22 ₂ from pointingthrough one another to observe the sky at low (10-15 degrees) elevationangles. If the separation distance is not sufficient and it stilldesired to ship an SAP with 2 (or more antennas), then upon reaching theSAS site, the SAP 200 can be rapidly deployed by separating the SAPsub-units 20 ₁ and 20 ₂ from one another and dragging or hoisting theminto their desired positions (e.g., to avoid pointing through oneanother) as illustrated in FIG. 4D and collapsing down each of the SAPsub-units 20 ₁, 20 ₂ into the deployed configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 4E.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the SAP where the antennas 22 do notinclude the radome. In such an embodiment, each of the antennas 22 cancomprise a parabolic dish antenna 24 having a diameter up to 2.4 meters.

In addition to the antenna 22 and the transport-mounting structure 40,the SAP 20, 200 may further include other SAS equipment integratedtherein including but not limited to a central controller 68 (where noseparate container is provided for such equipment), and the one or moremotors for moving the antenna 22 can be pre-wired. Therefore, the onlyconnections for completing the installation of the SAP 20, 200 are powerfor the SAP 20, 200 from a local power grid (either 110, 220 or 440depending on what is available) and some form of Ethernet cable toconnect the SAP 20, 200 to the Internet or other network.

The antennas 22 transmit and receive signals, which are then transformedand aggregated in a terrestrial communications system. In variousembodiments, the communications system may be a digital network, and insome embodiments of such a system, the data will be IP (“layer 3”) thatis forwarded by a central controller that includes a router. In otherembodiments, such a system may use digital samples (“layer 1”) or WANEthernet (“layer 2”), which can be handled by other types ofcontrollers.

The reconfigurable SAPs 20, 200 (and other SAS equipment) of the presentdisclosure can each be controlled and managed by a central controller ofthe SAS to thereby form a rapidly deployable SAS. In some embodiments,each of the SAPs 20, 200 may be placed anywhere on the earth, and usinga GPS unit provided with each of the SAPs 20, 200, notify the centralcontroller of its location and availability, thus allowing most of theconfiguration process to be automated. The central controller of the SASwill then be capable of automatically commanding the SAPs 20, 200 toperform their functions including satellite tracking and dataforwarding.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an SAS 60 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The SAS 60 is constructed from a plurality of theearlier described SAPs 20, 200, which may be placed anywhere on theearth. The antenna electronics of each SAP 20, 200 can include a modem62, which communicates with the central controller 68 of the SAS 60 andconverts data from digital bit streams received from the centralcontroller 68, to analog waveforms suitable for transmission out of theantennas 22, 22 ₁, 22 ₂ of the SAP 20, 200. The modem 62 also convertsanalog waveforms received by the antennas 22, 22 ₁, 22 ₂ to digital bitstreams, which are communicated to the central controller 68 of the SAS60. The antenna electronics of the SAPs 20, 200 may further comprise RFcomponents 66 which amplify and filter the analog waveforms and a motorcontroller 64 which points the antennas of the antennas 22, 22 ₁, 22 ₂,such that they always track the correct satellite. The centralcontroller 68 of the SAS 60 connects the SAS 60 to the Internet 80 orother network. The central controller 68, in typical embodiments, cancomprise a router, which directs data traffic between the Internet 80 orother network and the SAPs 20, 200 at the site of the SAS 60. The SAS 60further includes an SAS power converter system 70, which connects to anexternal local power grid 90. The power converter system 70 converts thepower supplied by the power local grid 90 (e.g., 250V at 50 Hz) to thepower requirements of the SAPs 20, 200 (e.g., 120 V AC). The SAS 60 canfurther include one or more auxiliary power systems in case the localpower grid 90 fails. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the auxiliary powersystems include a power back-up system 72 (e.g., batteries) and a dieselgenerator and/or solar panels 74.

In some embodiments, the SAS 60 can include a low data-rate globalinterconnection to one or more satellite systems, using for example,Iridium (e.g., Iridium phone on a post), such that once dropped off adelivery vehicle, the SAS 60 can always be in contact with the cloud (anetwork of remotely located servers hosted on the Internet) or othernetwork, to begin set-up and receive initialization instructions. Thecan provide low-rate data connectivity to the central controller or evento a user in the event that the wired Internet connection is temporarilylost.

The SAS 60 allows a plurality of reconfigurable SAPs 20, 200 to beconnected together by the central controller 68 locally where all of theSAPs 20, 200 together would form a switch moving Internet trafficbetween satellites and any other medium, wired or wireless, which canpass such traffic. In other words, data can pass from any SAP 20, 200 toany SAP 20, 200, or from any SAP 20, 200 to the Internet 80.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an SAS 60.1 according to another embodimentof the present disclosure. As illustrated, the central controller 68 andpower converter system 70 of the SAS 60.1 are combined into a singleshipping container 71.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an SAS 60.2 according to further embodimentof the present disclosure. As illustrated, the central controller 68 andpower converter system 70 (and any auxiliary power systems) of the SAS60.2 are provided in separate containers.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an SAS 60.3 according to a furtherembodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the SAS 60.3 thecentral controller 68 and power converter system 70 are combined into asingle shipping container 71 where the power converter system 70 isconnected to a local power grid 80 and where the central controller 68is not connected to the Internet of other network. This is made possibleby pointing the antenna(s) of one of the SAPs 20, 200 to one satelliteand pointing the antenna(s) of the other SAP 20, 200 to anothersatellite to act as a relay between the satellites without using theInternet or other network.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for constructing an SAS according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. Starting with box 100, theantenna(s), modem, motor controller, RF components, transport-mountingstructure(s) and any other components of the SAPs, and the centralcontroller, power converter system (if applicable), one or moreauxiliary power systems (if applicable) and any other components of theSAS are manufactured at one or more manufacturing facilities. In someembodiments, one or more of the antennas and corresponding other SAPcomponents are integrated with one or more transport-mounting structuresto construct a SAP, and the central controller, power converter system(if applicable) and one or more auxiliary power systems (if applicable)are provided together or separately in their own shippable containers.In other embodiments, one or more of the central controller, powerconverter system, and one or more auxiliary power systems can beintegrated into the SAP with the transport-mounting structure(s) and theantenna(s). The SAPs and SAS components are then operationally testedand the walls of each SAP receptacle sub-structure are then folded upand/or assembled into the shipping configuration.

In box 102, the SAPs and SAS component containers (if applicable) areshipped to a remote SAS site using the appropriate shipping vehicle orvehicles. Once at the SAS site, the SAPs and SAS component containers(if applicable) are removed from the shipping vehicle using, forexample, a crane or bracing jacks, and placed at a desired position atthe SAS site.

If the SAPs are constructed from multiple SAP sub-units, and need to beseparated to provide sufficient distance between the antennas and thelike, then in box 104, the SAP sub-units are separated from one anotherand at least one of the SAP sub-units is moved and placed in a desiredposition at the SAS site.

In box 106, the walls of each SAP or SAP sub-unit receptaclesub-structure are collapsed into the deployed configuration and lockedinto position on the ground.

In box 108, the modem of each SAP is connected to the central controllerand the power converter system. Further, the central controller isconnected to the Internet or other network and the power convertersystem is connected to the local power grid.

In box 110, the SAS connects with a fleet of non-geostationarysatellites through the Internet or other network. In box 112, the SAPsautomatically calibrate their pointing and acquisition components. Inbox 114, the SAPs make contact with the satellites of the fleet and inbox 116, data flows from the Internet or other network to the satellitesof the fleet and to one or more user terminals.

Although the shippable and rapidly deployable SAP and SAS have beendescribed in terms of illustrative embodiments, they are not limitedthereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly toinclude other variants and embodiments of same, which may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range ofequivalents of the SAP and SAS.

1. A reconfigurable satellite access point comprising: atransport-mounting structure; and at least one antenna integrated withthe transport-mounting structure; wherein the transport-mountingstructure allows the satellite access point to be easily reconfiguredbetween a shipping configuration and a deployed configuration, thesatellite access point in the shipping configuration having a formfactor of a shipping container which allows the satellite access pointto be shipped to a remote satellite access site on earth and thesatellite access point in the deployed configuration revealing the atleast one antenna to the sky at the satellite access site; wherein thetransport-mounting structure comprises a receptacle sub-structure, thereceptacle sub-structure including a base and at least one wall, thebase for mounting the satellite access point on the ground at thesatellite access site, the at least one wall and the base enclosing theat least one antenna during shipping, the at least one wall pivotallymovable relative to the base or detachable from the base, or pivotallymovable relative to and detachable from the base, to reveal the at leastone antenna to the sky at the satellite access site; and wherein the atleast one wall comprises at least one of an end wall and a side wall. 2.(canceled)
 3. The satellite access point of claim 1, wherein thereceptacle substructure further includes at least one connector forallowing pivotal movement of the at least one wall relative to the base,or allowing the at least one wall to be detached from the base, or forallowing pivotal movement of the at least one wall relative to the baseand allowing the at least one wall to be detached from the base. 4.(canceled)
 5. The satellite access point of claim 1, wherein thereceptacle sub-structure further includes a top wall or top wallsections.
 6. The satellite access point of claim 5, wherein thereceptacle sub-structure further includes at least one connector for atleast one of pivotally and removably attaching the top wall or top wallsections to the at least one wall allowing pivotal movement of the topwall or top wall sections relative to the at least one wall, or allowingthe top wall or top wall sections to be detached from the at least onewall, or for allowing pivotal movement of the top wall or top wallsections relative to the at least one wall and allowing the top wall ortop wall sections to be detached from the at least one wall.
 7. Thesatellite access point of claim 1, wherein the receptacle sub-structurefurther includes a slow release mechanism for automatically pivoting theat least one wall or for allowing the at least one wall to be at leastone of manually pivoted and manually detached in a controlled manner. 8.The satellite access point of claim 5, wherein the receptaclesub-structure further includes a slow release mechanism forautomatically pivoting the top wall or top wall sections or for allowingthe top wall or top wall sections to be at least one of manually pivotedand manually detached in a controlled manner.
 9. The satellite accesspoint of claim 7, wherein the slow release mechanism is integrated withat least one of the at least one connector.
 10. The satellite accesspoint of claim 1, further comprising a fastener for fastening the atleast one wall to the ground at the satellite access site.
 11. Thesatellite access point of claim 5, further comprising a fastener forfastening the top wall or top wall sections to the ground at thesatellite access site.
 12. The satellite access point of claim 1,wherein the satellite access point comprises at least two satelliteaccess point sub-units detachably connected to one another.
 13. Thesatellite access point of claim 12, wherein the at least one antennacomprises a plurality of antennas, and wherein each of the satelliteaccess point sub-units includes at least one of the antennas.
 14. Thesatellite access point of claim 1, further comprising antennaelectronics.
 15. The satellite access point of claim 14, wherein theantenna electronics comprises a modem, a motor controller and RFequipment.
 16. The satellite access point of claim 1, further comprisingsatellite access site equipment.
 17. The satellite access point of claim16, wherein the satellite access site equipment comprises at least oneof a central controller, a power converter system, and an auxiliarypower system.
 18. A rapidly deployable satellite access site comprisingat least one of the satellite access points of claim
 1. 19. A method forconstructing a satellite access site, the method comprising: integratingat least one antenna with a transport-mounting structure to create asatellite access point, the transport-mounting structure comprising areceptacle sub-structure, the receptacle sub-structure including a baseand at least one wall, the base for mounting the satellite access pointon the ground at the satellite access site, the at least one wall andthe base for enclosing the at least one antenna during shipping, the atleast one wall pivotally movable relative to the base or detachable fromthe base, or pivotally movable relative to and detachable from the baseto reveal the at least one antenna, to the sky at the satellite accesssite, and the at least one wall comprising at least one of an end walland a side wall; configuring the satellite access point into a shippingconfiguration wherein the satellite access point has a form factor of ashipping container; shipping the satellite access point to a desiredlocation on earth for the satellite access site; and reconfiguring thesatellite access point into a deployed configuration at the site toreveal the at least one antenna to the sky.
 20. The method of clam 19,further comprising testing the satellite access point prior to shipping.21. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing the satelliteaccess point from a shipping vehicle at the desired location on theearth for the satellite access site.
 22. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising connecting the at least one antenna assembly of the satelliteaccess point to other satellite access site components to one another atthe desired location on the earth.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising connecting the other satellite access site components to atleast one of the Internet or other network and a local power grid. 24.(canceled)
 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the receptaclesubstructure further includes at least one connector for allowingpivotal movement of the at least one wall relative to the base, orallowing the at least one wall to be detached from the base, or forallowing pivotal movement of the at least one wall relative to the baseand allowing the at least one wall to be detached from the base. 26.(canceled)
 27. The method of claim 19, wherein the receptaclesub-structure further includes a top wall or top wall sections.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, wherein the receptacle sub-structure furtherincludes at least one connector for at least one of pivotally andremovably attaching the top wall or top wall sections to the at leastone wall allowing pivotal movement of the top wall or top wall sectionsrelative to the at least one wall, or allowing the top wall or top wallsections to be detached from the at least one wall, or for allowingpivotal movement of the top wall or top wall sections relative to the atleast one wall and allowing the top wall or top wall sections to bedetached from the at least one wall.
 29. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising automatically pivoting the at least one wall in controlledmanner with a slow release mechanism or allowing the at least one wallto be at least one of manually pivoted and manually removed in acontrolled manner with the slow release mechanism.
 30. The method ofclaim 27, further comprising automatically pivoting the top wall or topwall sections in a controlled manner with a slow release mechanism orallowing the top wall or top wall sections to be at least one ofmanually pivoted and manually removed in a controlled manner with theslow release mechanism.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the slowrelease mechanism is integrated with at least one of the at least oneconnector.
 32. The method of claim 19, further comprising fastening theat least one wall to the ground with a fastener.
 33. The method of claim27, further comprising fastening the top wall or top wall sections tothe ground with a fastener.
 34. The method of claim 23, wherein thesatellite access point comprises at least two satellite point sub-unitsdetachably connected to one another.
 35. The method of claim 34, whereinthe at least one antenna comprises a plurality of antennas, and whereineach of the satellite access point sub-units includes at least one ofthe antennas.
 36. The method of claim 23, wherein the satellite accesspoint further comprises antenna electronics.
 37. The method of claim 36,wherein the antenna electronics comprises a modem, a motor controllerand RF equipment.
 38. The method of claim 23, wherein the componentsfurther comprise satellite access site equipment.
 39. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the satellite access site equipment comprises at leastone of a central controller, a power converter system, and an auxiliarypower system.
 40. The method of claim 23, further comprising connectingone or more of the components of the satellite access site with a fleetof non-geostationary satellites through the Internet or other network.41. The method of claim 40, further comprising automatically calibratingpointing and acquisition components of the one or more of the componentsof the satellite access site connected with the satellites.
 42. Themethod of claim 41, further comprising causing the one or more of thecomponents of the satellite access site connected with the satellites tocommunicate with the satellites to cause data to flow from the Internetor other network to the satellites and to one or more user terminals.43. The method of claim 35, further comprising separating the satelliteaccess point sub-units to provide sufficient distance between the atleast one antennas.